Academic leaders of several universities and community colleges in Texas say that four-year degrees that cost just $10,000 are now within reach for many students, according to The Texas Tribune.

Speaking at the education panel of the SXSW festival in Austin, Maria Ferrar, president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, said that a bachelor's degree in information technology with an emphasis on network security could cost as little as $9,700, thanks to increased collaboration between community colleges and four-year schools. She added that work would continue to make degrees that could help students find work after graduation more affordable.

"This is a start," said Ferrar, as quoted by the news source. "We are looking at other programs that absolutely meet the needs of the region, state and the country and that will really yield a job at the end of that degree."

Early in 2011, Texas Governor Rick Perry called on education experts and academic leaders to create undergraduate degrees that cost $10,000 or less, according to the American Statesman. At the time, legislators and universities were unsure if this goal could be met, but it appears that Texas could set a standard for providing high-quality, affordable education to students.

When you're doing a college search, make sure to look into exactly how much your degree could cost you. Don't commit to any decisions before you've crunched the numbers.